Moving to VA whats the first step to keep my guns legal

[ArmySGTPM]

It looks like I will be moving to NOVA in the near future. I currently own a couple handguns and rifles. Moving from Massachusetts where the weapons are all currently registered properly. What will I need to do to transfer my firearms into VA? Do I need any specific license to own my current firearms in VA...I currently have a Utah CCW permit which I can carry under until I obtain a VA CHP. Just want to know what paper work I will need to make sure is squared away . Thanks

-P

[KaosDad]

Once you get to VA you have to do......nothing.

Just be aware of th laws as you transport your firearms TO VA. Don't drive through Maryland or DC (maybe others). Make certain the fine folks in MA know you are leaving town and takin' your guns with you.

Once in VA, just be safe and find some friends and a range. What part of NOVA are you moving to? Are you moving on base?

[zeroselect]

you need to send the guns out to me and let me function check them all.

[ArmySGTPM]

Looking to move to the Western/central park of Fairfax county or some of the eastern towns in Loundon...hoping to be picked up by a Civilian Law Enforcement Agency. still in the Army but part time with the National Guard

[ArmySGTPM]

you need to send the guns out to me and let me function check them all.

haha I must have missed that part when skimming the gun laws on the VA state police website

[KaosDad]

If you move into E. Loudoun there are a bunch of us here that would gladly show you around.

[ProShooter]

Please let me know if I can assist you with any firearms training needs.

[allingeneral]

Only thing you need to do in Virginia is go to the DMV and get a new driver's license, then 30 days after that, apply for your Concealed Handgun Permit through your local Circuit Clerk.

[ArmySGTPM]

Thanks all!

Any idea if I would be able to carry on my non-resident Utah CCW license until i would be able to get the VA CHP? Like if become a resident of VA is carrying under another permit a no go?

[Chasbo00]

Thanks all!

Any idea if I would be able to carry on my non-resident Utah CCW license until i would be able to get the VA CHP? Like if become a resident of VA is carrying under another permit a no go?

Your non-resident Utah permit is honored in VA. About the only things I can think of that a VA resident permit will give you beyond your Utah permit are: Buy more than one handgun a month (VA law) and have permit reciprocity with SC and FL (these two states don't recognize non-resident permits).

This site stays pretty well up to date on the various state handgun laws: http://www.handgunlaw.us/

[user]

The simple answer is, there is no paperwork.

There is no registration requirement.

If you are eligible to be in possession of firearms (the same limitations as all the yes/no boxes you have to check on the BATFE form when you go to buy one), then you're good to go.

[ProShooter]

Only thing you need to do in Virginia is go to the DMV and get a new driver's license, then 30 days after that, apply for your Concealed Handgun Permit through your local Circuit Clerk.

He can apply for his permit on day 1 of his Va residency. No need to wait 30 days.

[ProShooter]

[ About the only things I can think of that a VA resident permit will give you beyond your Utah permit are: Buy more than one handgun a month (VA law) and have permit reciprocity with SC and FL (these two states don't recognize non-resident permits).

and the Va permit will keep you from getting arrested if you get stopped near a school zone. (not that its really enforced, but still)

[Chasbo00]

and the Va permit will keep you from getting arrested if you get stopped near a school zone. (not that its really enforced, but still)

I did not realize this was unique to a VA permit and does not apply to other state permits covered by reciprocity with VA. Can you provide a source?

[ProShooter]

and the Va permit will keep you from getting arrested if you get stopped near a school zone. (not that its really enforced, but still)

I did not realize this was unique to a VA permit and does not apply to other state permits covered by reciprocity with VA. Can you provide a source?

1995 Gun Free Schools Zone Act


It talks about not having a gun in a school zone unless you are "licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located".

I'm sure that user can add more to it, but that is the meat of it.

[Chasbo00]

1995 Gun Free Schools Zone Act


It talks about not having a gun in a school zone unless you are "licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located".

Ah ha, the old GFSZ Federal law. Thanks Jim; I had completely forgotten about this law. In my view, it's at odds with VA law and makes any state reciprocity a joke as it's almost impossible to carry in a state other than your own while never inadvertently entering a school zone as defined by this law.

[ProShooter]

1995 Gun Free Schools Zone Act


It talks about not having a gun in a school zone unless you are "licensed to do so by the State in which the school zone is located".

Ah ha, the old GFSZ Federal law. Thanks Jim; I had completely forgotten about this law. In my view, it's at odds with VA law and makes any state reciprocity a joke as it's almost impossible to carry in a state other than your own while never inadvertently entering a school zone as defined by this law.

agreed, but it is what it is.

[Chasbo00]

I'm not going to worry about it unless the ATF starts doing traffic stops in school zones.

[mrjam2jab]

Once you get to VA you have to do......nothing.

Just be aware of th laws as you transport your firearms TO VA. Don't drive through Maryland or DC (maybe others). Make certain the fine folks in MA know you are leaving town and takin' your guns with you.

Kinda hard to get from MA to VA w/o passing thru MD. There is also NJ and NY to be concerned with...they don't feel FOPA applies to their states. But it does. Does he have to tell MA he's leaving? NY claims you do, but i hadn't heard it about MA.

I'm not going to worry about it unless the ATF starts doing traffic stops in school zones.

Exactly. I don't believe local cops can enforce Federal GFSZ.

[Kreutz]

Once you get to VA you have to do......nothing.

Just be aware of th laws as you transport your firearms TO VA. Don't drive through Maryland or DC (maybe others). Make certain the fine folks in MA know you are leaving town and takin' your guns with you.

Kinda hard to get from MA to VA w/o passing thru MD. There is also NJ and NY to be concerned with...they don't feel FOPA applies to their states. But it does. Does he have to tell MA he's leaving? NY claims you do, but i hadn't heard it about MA.

I'm not going to worry about it unless the ATF starts doing traffic stops in school zones.

Exactly. I don't believe local cops can enforce Federal GFSZ.

Weapon unloaded in trunk, ammo locked in glove box is fine for passing through NY.

NJ is the scary one. Don't speed if you have to go that way(not sure if you'd take I-78W).

Maryland is only about 20 minutes of driving between PA and WV, and I never saw even one trooper on that bit of road.